News Broadcasting
News Broadcasters Federation welcomes SC order on fake news
MUMBAI: The News Broadcasters Federation has welcomed the Supreme Court order against the menace of fake news. The apex court in its order on Tuesday, 31 March , made observations on the “menace of fake news either by electronic, print or social media” and has put the onus on the media to ensure unverified panic inducing news is not circulated.
The NBF, which is the largest body of news broadcasters pan-India, not just acknowledges but welcomes the Supreme Court Order which states “we expect the Media (print, electronic or social) to maintain a strong sense of responsibility and ensure that unverified news capable of causing panic is not disseminated.” In the midst of India’s current battle against the novel coronavirus, the NBF recognises that there is a great need to be vigilant against fake news that is being proliferated both on certain media platforms, as well as on social media, said the federation in a release.
NBF president Arnab Goswami said in a statement that the NBF stands in solidarity and supports completely the proactive initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to contain, control and defeat the COVID-19 pandemic whose grave impact spans over 199 nations and over 8.5 lakh individuals, at present. The NBF believes the nationwide lockdown to contain the COVID-19 threat needs to be upheld, and any fake news that deters this national fight needs to be debunked at the earliest. In light of this, the NBF strives to uphold it's national duty and stands by the Supreme Court intervention to curb rampant fake news.
He added that the battle against the novel-coronavirus is and must remain a national effort, with each pillar of our democracy doing its part to ensure the social distancing norms are maintained, the lockdown rules are followed, and the concerted efforts to spread fear and mistrust amongst the people by a handful in detriment to this effort are defeated. The NBF believes that it's fundamental duty “to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so”, in the present times, includes being an active participant in fighting fake news.
“India is at the cusp of its battle against the pandemic, and has rapidly increased efforts to flatten the curve and delay the onset of Stage-3, that is, community transmission. The nature of the infection and the person-to-person spread means there is a need for restriction of movement in our nation of 1.3 billion, and any fake news to defeat this effort needs to be curtailed at the earliest,” he points out.
Goswami notes that the NBF acknowledges that this fight requires a united effort by all sections of society, all organisations and all groups need to come together. The NBF pledges its complete support to our frontline warriors and stands behind the Supreme Court order to curb fake news during the extraordinary situation currently faced by the nation and the world.
News Broadcasting
Induction cooktop demand spikes 30× amid LPG supply concerns
Supply worries linked to West Asia tensions push households and restaurants to turn to electric cooking alternatives
MUMBAI: As geopolitical tensions in West Asia ripple through global energy supply chains, the familiar blue flame in Indian kitchens is facing an unexpected challenger: electricity.
What began as concerns over the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has quickly evolved into a technology-driven shift in cooking habits. Households across India are increasingly turning to induction cooktops and other electric appliances, initially as a backup but now, for many, a necessity.
A sudden surge in demand
Recent data from quick-commerce and grocery platform BigBasket highlights the scale of the shift. According to Seshu Kumar Tirumala, the company’s chief buying and merchandising officer, demand for induction cooktops has risen dramatically.
“Induction cooktops have seen a significant surge in demand, recording a fivefold jump on 10 March and a thirtyfold spike on 11 March,” Tirumala said.
The increase stands out sharply when compared with broader kitchen appliance trends. Most appliance categories are growing within 10 per cent of their typical demand levels, while induction cooktops have witnessed explosive growth as households rush to secure an alternative cooking option.
Major e-commerce platforms including Amazon and Flipkart have reported rising searches and orders for induction stoves. Quick-commerce apps such as Blinkit and Zepto have also witnessed stock shortages in major metropolitan areas including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
What was once considered a convenient appliance for hostels, small kitchens or occasional use has suddenly become an essential addition in many homes.
A crisis thousands of miles away
The trigger for this shift lies far beyond India’s kitchens.
Escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Nearly 85 to 90 per cent of India’s LPG imports pass through this narrow waterway, making the country particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
The ripple effects have been swift.
India currently meets roughly 60 per cent of its LPG demand through imports, and tightening global supply has already begun to affect domestic availability and prices.
Earlier this month, the price of domestic LPG cylinders increased by Rs 60, while commercial cylinders rose by more than Rs 114.
To discourage panic buying and hoarding, the government has also extended the mandatory waiting period between domestic refill bookings from 21 days to 25 days.
Restaurants feel the pressure
The strain is not limited to households. Restaurants, hotels and roadside eateries are also grappling with supply constraints as commercial LPG availability tightens under restrictions imposed through the Essential Commodities Act.
In cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai, restaurant associations report that commercial LPG availability has dropped by as much as 75 per cent, forcing many establishments to rethink their kitchen operations.
Some restaurants have reduced menu offerings, while others are rapidly installing high-efficiency induction systems, creating hybrid kitchens where electricity now shares the workload with gas.
For smaller eateries and roadside dhabas, the shift is less about sustainability and more about survival.
A potential structural shift
The government has maintained that there is no nationwide LPG crisis and has directed refineries to increase production to stabilise supply.
Nevertheless, the developments of March 2026 may already be triggering a longer-term behavioural shift.
For decades, LPG has been the backbone of cooking in Indian households. However, recent disruptions have highlighted the risks of relying on a single fuel source.
Increasingly, households appear to be hedging against uncertainty by adopting electric cooking options to guard against price volatility and delivery delays.
If the current trend continues, the induction cooktop, once viewed as a niche appliance, could emerge as a quiet symbol of India’s evolving kitchen economy.
